CITY COUNCIL DISCUSSES NEXT STEP FOR ADDRESSING SIGN ORDINANCES

  

The Brenham City Council discussed how to address sign ordinances during a workshop session on Thursday.

The workshop was held to inform the council about the process of addressing the city’s sign ordinance, which hasn't been done since 2013.

Erik Smith, the city's Development Services Director, spoke about addressing the potential conflicts of city owned streets and state owned streets, specifically TxDOT’s right of way of Main and Alamo.

As it stands today, the city would need to issue a right to encroach into the right-of-way before they would be able to issue any permits. They currently do not have authority to do that on Main St. and Alamo St.

“I want an ordinance we can apply fairly” said Smith. “I want to find a solution where we can follow the rules and not turn a blind eye."

Smith said if they permit certain types of signage in the right of way,  they would be violating a document they have with the State of Texas- a mutual maintenance agreement.

City Staff is arranging a meeting with TxDOT to bring the issue up in the hope that they can find some resolution to the right-of-way issue.

"We are trying to figure out a way to do it appropriately, so we don’t have to pick and choose" said Smith.

"I want the public to understand where we are coming from so we don’t tell one person on one of the side street, ‘that’s a city street you can do this’, but then tell their neighbor next door, ‘you can’t’” continued Smith.

The council voiced support in exploring the creation of a “donut-hole” around the B-3 Historic District.

Smith says this means they would leave the existing sign ordinance in place for the B-3 District, with no changes being proposed as they work on wording for the remainder of the ordinance.

Since it was a workshop session, no action was taken. “We will notify all necessary stakeholders of any future meeting regarding the amendment process" said Smith.

Also during the city council's meeting:

  • The Council heard the 2016-2017 First Quarter Financial Report during the workshop session

The City of Brenham’s financial performance continues to be positive and no unusual or unanticipated trends were noted

  • A second reading was held of an ordinance annexing 87 acres on the Highway 36 Loop

Stylecraft Builders is planning a subdivision of approximately 250 homes on the land. The council also approved rezoning the property from single-family residential to a planned development district.

  • A 2-percent mid-year cost of living increase for city employees was approved

The living adjustment was included in the 2016-2017 fiscal year adopted budget, but was contingent on a positive assessment of economic conditions in Brenham.  The increase impacts the city’s general fund by $64,654 and the utility department by $30,345.

  • A noise variance request was approved from Calvary Baptist Church for a National Prayer Day event on April 4th from noon until 1 p.m.
  • A noise variance request was approved from the Brenham Maifest Association for April 29th and May 5th through the 6th
  • A public hearing was held for a special use permit for Calvary Baptist Church to allow for a church and educational facility.

The building is operating as a church today, however no special use permit has ever been granted for this site. While the church can continue with no interference from the city, they needed a special use permit to expand their facility to include a garage.

  • The council approved an amendment to the lease agreement between the City of Brenham and Wells Fargo Bank Texas

The amendment provides a month-to-month lease of the ATM and ATM Lane located at 110 W. Vulcan Street.

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